During the 2013 spring semester, four graduate students in Dr. Audrey Jaeger’s doctoral level organizational theory course used survey data to help them put into practice what they were learning in the classroom about analyzing an organization through a theoretical lens. The students – Ashley Clayton, David Churchill, Becky Crandall, and Deanna Knighton – wanted to pursue a project related to diversity within the NC State context. In January, they contacted me to find out more about the Office for Institutional Equity and Diversity (OIED) and to possibly identify a challenge or topic of interest that OIED is facing that they could focus on for their class project. The students utilized a human resource frame and their theoretical frameworks included Clayton Alderfer’s Existence, Relatedness, and Growth (ERG) theory and Frederick Herzberg’s two-factor theory in analyzing the survey data. In meeting with the students at the end of the semester, I was delighted to find that they had practical recommendations for OIED regarding improving the overall job satisfaction of NC State faculty.

Working with graduate students from the College of Education is in keeping with OIED’s practice of gaining valuable services while helping students put theory into practice. Previous student efforts have included a marketing plan developed for OIED by students in Dr. James Kiwanuka-Tondo’s Public Relations course. In addition, OIED’s equal opportunity compliance poster series – “It’s Simple Math” – was designed by a student from the College of Design as part of a course assignment.

Thanks to the many students and professors who help OIED to make NC State even better!

Joanne Woodard is NC State's Vice Provost for Institutional Equity and Diversity. To find out more about OIED, please see the OIED website.

Equal Opportunity Institute (EOI) Graduation

EOI 2013 Graduation Celebration Theme was "New Frontiers"

Now well into its second decade, OIED’s Equal Opportunity Institute has graduated over 350 participants since its inception in 1999. The program continues to attract NC State staff, faculty, undergraduate and graduate students, and participants from the general public. While the core mission of the program remains the same – to educate participants about equal opportunity issues; develop participants' skill in working and learning in increasingly diverse environments; enhance professional development; and improve the overall campus climate – the program has expanded and improved every year with the addition of new workshops, topics, and tools.

During the 2012-13 academic year, EOI began offering its past graduates the opportunity to re-enroll as EOI Graduate Scholars. Graduate Scholars return to the Institute to take three or more workshops during the academic year. Both the regular EOI Certificate program and the EOI Graduate Scholars program are still free of charge to NC State faculty, staff, and students. In addition, the program now recognizes participants who have gone above and beyond program requirements; graduates who have taken ten or more two-hour elective workshops, instead of the required seven, receive special recognition at EOI Graduation. Any EOI Graduate who is also an NC State student receives an honor cord to wear at NC State Graduation.

This year’s EOI Graduation celebration, with the theme of “New Frontiers,” highlighted the Institute’s continuing efforts to evolve to meet the needs of its participants and the campus community, as well as an exhortation to EOI graduates to continue to meet new challenges. Thomas Easley, CEO of The Easley Branch, LLC and Director of Community Diversity in NC State’s College of Natural Resources, was this year’s EOI Graduation speaker. Also an NC State doctoral candidate, Mr. Easley exemplifies the recurring themes of EOI, both personally and professionally. A musician and artist, diversity professional, champion of equality and achievement, as well as an extremely dynamic speaker, his remarks caused attendees to rise from their seats.

Special thanks to the NC State Cashier's Office, Campus Police, and University Housing for sending and supporting numerous staff members to participate in EOI. To find out more about EOI for yourself and/or your unit, please see the EOI website.

For a complete list of the 2013 EOI Graduates, please see the sidebar article on the right.

The Diversity Digest is published weekly during the academic year and monthly during summer. The last issue of the 2012-13 academic year will be published on Monday, May 20, 2013. Thank you for reading the Digest!

Around Campus

Food Donations Needed

The Feed the Pack Pantry has experienced a large increase in the number of clients visiting the food pantry. Although any and all donations are appreciated, these items represent the most pressing need at this time: canned fruit, cereal, snacks, condiments, beverages, and personal hygiene items. Please bring items to the food pantry in 379 Harrelson Hall during scheduled hours or contact the leadership team at feedthepackpantry@ncsu.edu to arrange a drop-off time. For hours, visit the Feed the Pack Food Pantry Facebook page.

Opportunities

22 Days Until Social Equity Leadership Conference

Have you registered yet? Only 22 days until the Social Equity Leadership Conference on June 5-7, 2013. See the website for more information.